Strategies to address the tourism challenges of the Indian Ocean

More than 70 tourism professionals from Réunion and Mayotte met on June 24 and 25, 2025, in Saint-Denis, for a new session of the Overseas Tourism Strategic Council (CSTOM) dedicated to the Indian Ocean basin.

Organized by the Ministry of Overseas Territories and Atout France, this meeting follows the first session held in Martinique in 2024. According to the official press release, this session provided an in-depth analysis of the tourism situation in Réunion and Mayotte, two territories facing major challenges. Climatic hazards, with increasingly violent weather events, as well as recurring health crises, are weakening a sector already marked by strong seasonality, employment pressures, and increased environmental vulnerability.

The work program focused on several key themes. Crisis management, whether hurricane-related or health-related, was extensively discussed. Furthermore, the development of new forms of tourism, focused on experiences that respect local balances, emerged as a priority. Training and employment, in a rapidly changing sector, as well as foresight to define sustainable strategies, were also key topics. Through these discussions, the CSTOM intends to strengthen inter-territorial dialogue, promote regional cooperation, and identify concrete actions. The ambition is to make tourism a driver of resilience in the face of global change, while addressing the specific challenges of the Indian Ocean basin.